Mark of the Fool

Chapter 647: The Secrets of the Stars

Alex rarely had drinks with his professors. As a matter of fact, he could probably count the number of times hed done so on half the fingers on a single hand. Raising a few glassesor more than a few, was normally reserved for enjoying time with his friends, especially his cabalmates. But today, here he was throwing back drinks with Professor Jules.

He remembered the very first time hed seen her. It was the day he, Selina, Theresa and Brutus had arrived on campus; theyd watched her soar overhead on her flying disk on the way to an explosion in the Cells. Little did he know that one day, hed be sitting in the office of that same professor sharing dwarven whisky and conversation with her. In a way, he couldnt believe it. But, there were lots of things that had happened in the last little while that hed found hard to believe. Hed heard that some of the older members of the research expedition went out for drinks with their professorsespecially after a big project, or a particularly challenging semesterand hed even heard that some of those profs could really hold their liquor.

Alex used to think that one day, hed be sitting down for a drink with certain professors; like Baelin, ValRok, Mangal or even Professor Hak.

But, even though hed had tea with Professor Jules, drinking strong liquor with her had never crossed his mind.

Yet, there she was, sitting in front of him, hunched over a very large tumbler of dwarven fire spirits, tossing it back like water. He had to admit, he was impressed; the liquor burned his tongue and went down his throat like liquid fire; it was all he could do to stifle a fit of coughing that was fighting to get out.

Professor Jules, however, didnt flinch as she drained her glass, quickly pouring herself another one. I dont think Ive drunk like this since I was a studentor maybe since Toraka and I got together for her birthday. Goodness, what a disgrace Ive become, letting one of my mentees see me like this.

The alchemist looked older.

And tired.

So very tired.

So. She put the bottle down on the floor beside her. How did you find out that there were other worlds among the stars?

Alex glanced at her. Would you believe that it was acombination of a tavern, and a half-goddess ghost?

At this point? Yes. But, do go on.

And so Alex told her about his last trip to the hells, the slaying of Ezaliel, Kaz-Mowang, Yantrahpretaye, Zonon-In and the fall of Cretalikon. He spoke of the strange wonders in the Whetstone tavern, the heroism of his mercenariesEzerak, Guntile, Ripp, Celsus and Kyembe the Spirit Killerand lastly, he told the tale of the Traveller and her journey across the universe.

And now Hannahs becoming a goddess, Alex finished. It was a lot to wrap my head around, so I brought it up to Baelin. Thats when he admitted that there was a whole universe out there, but he asked me not to tell anyone except those closest to me.

Of course, Professor Jules chuckled. Mr. Roth, I hope you understand how deeply Baelins fondness for you goes; Ive seen others discover secrets that the old goat hoards to himself, and he reacted much less kindly to them than he did to you.

Alex swallowed. What do you mean?

You do not want to know. She took another drink.

Fair, he agreed. Alex had seen enough nightmare-horrors in the last twenty- four hours. He didnt need anymore in his head. How about you? How did you find out that there were other worlds?

Professor Jules shook her head. My story is not nearly as grand: it all happened on a sunny afternoon about oh She paused for a moment. ...must have been fifty years ago now. By the gods, I am old.

The alchemist took another drink. I had obtained some material from a fallen meteorite: a hunk of starmetal. Very powerful stuff; some of the greatest weapons that have ever been forged by alchemy or divinity have been made of starmetals of one kind or another. Its both expensive and rare, so I was eager to examine it.

The smile she gave him was self-mocking. As I was analysing its composition, I noticed something quite strange about it; there were signs that it had been alloyed by a sapient hand. The compositions were just a touch too precise, andwhen I discovered thatI also realised that its shape was oddly specific.

How do you mean? Alex asked.

She spread her arms. Long, and expanding at both ends. Like a shovel oras I later came to realisean axe with a large club attached to its other side. Naturally, this intrigued me, so I picked it apart over the course of a year, examining it through piccoscopes and everything else I could use. Its surface was melted and scored, probably due to atmospheric entry and exposure to some terrible source of heat in space. Inside of it were plenty of signs that the object was no hunk of natural metal, though. It was machined. And thats when the truth struck me: I wasnt looking at one object, I was looking at two that had been fused together through temperatures that could only be achieved through the highest forms of magic.

What kind of objects were they? Alex took a long drink, leaning forward in his chair.

At first, I wasn't sure, but over time it became clear that what I had was an enormous axe and a metal handlike the hand of a constructgripping it. Inside of the hand was circuitry and mechanics that I could not even begin to understand. And the strangest thing of all? There were no signs of mana pathways. Not one. The construct arm must have been powered by electricity orsomething else. But no magic.

Thats fascinating! Alex said with the excitement of a child. Could it have been divinely powered? Or maybe powered through some other form of magic?

I couldnt tell, the alchemist said. But likely not, according to all the analysis that Id done. In the end, I could only conclude that the object had originated from a civilization that was unknown, which led me to hypothesise that such a civilization would likely be from a place with next to no ambient mana. Which would explain why their building techniques seemed purely technological. Gods, how I wish the item had been in better condition; I could tell what it was, but it was too damaged to let me know anything else about it.

I dont know, Alex said darkly. He thought of the explosion that had ripped apart Uldars Rise. Maybe this world isnt ready for whatever wonders you could create with whatever that construct hand was.

She laughed bitterly. You sound just like the chancellor; as soon as I had generated my hypothesis, I went to the old goat with what I had. I figured with his magical prowess, we might be able to begin researching a reliable way to reach the stars and try to find more samples. And that was when he simply laughed, congratulated me on finding the answer and told me everything.

Her face reddened. I felt like a fool; understandback thenI was somewhat similar to you. I was a prodigy, Mr. Roth, and I thought myself at least ten times more clever than I actually was. Id believed I was on the path to becoming as legendary a wizard as Milnos Thalaniel, Baelin, Noarc and others.

She raised her hand, swiping sideways as though presenting text on a sign. Vernia Jules! The woman who provedMany-Spheres Theory! But, instead, I found out I was just a child who had stumbled onto the world of adults for the first time. And of course, Baelin swore me to secrecy, and he didnt even do me the courtesy of letting me tell anyone. Which is just like that old goat.

So he just let both of us think we were the only ones who knew beside him. Alex shook his head. Wow.

Its just like him, Alex. She gave him a warning look. Listen, I am going to give you a bit of advice that you most certainly wont listen to: be careful around Baelin. He seems friendly, kind, caring and jovial, but understand, he is an ancient monster who has more secrets than most kings have coins. He likely didn't bother telling either of us that the other knew so he could more effectively guard his secret: if we didnt chat, thered be less chance for things to leak out.

I guess thats true, Alex said, not knowing quite how to feel. It makes sense, but it feels kinda

...like how I felt when I found out you couldnt trust me with your secret?

Alex winced. Sorry.

Apology accepted. She took another long swallow. Understand something, Alex, Baelin is a creature of logic and whim in equal measure; he might like you, but that doesnt mean you will understand all of his actions. Ive known him longer than youve been alive and I still dont understand him. By some measures of morality, hed even be considered evil.

We all would, wouldnt we? Alex pointed out.

True, but him especially. Just keep that in mind. That is not to say you cannot like or confide in him; hes an incredible ally. But do not become him; you and he already have similar traits. Dont become an old monster.

Ill, uh, Ill try, the young Thameish wizard took another drink.

Gods, the worst part about this is thatwhen hes off-worldtheres no damn way to communicate with the bastard, Jules growled.

Really? Alex raised an eyebrow. But he communicates with his cabal all the time, I would think.

Im not sure how often he does, Professor Jules said. But I do know that the magic required to communicate across the stars is far beyond the capabilities of almost every living wizard. Baelin can manage it, of course, and maybe a few other archwizards in the world, but no one else in Generasi has the sheer power or skill required to manage such a feat.

Well, youd think, hed have some magic item that could do it, Alex suggested.

He does. Professor Jules gave him a look. And yet we dont have access to it; why do you think that is?

Alex made a face. Because he doesnt want others examining how it works and potentially figuring out that there are other worlds among the sea of stars.

Exactly! Professor Jules said, her face flushing. Andwhen I asked for such a device to communicate with himdo you know what he told me?

What?

She took another long drink. He told me, and I quote: you are very intelligent, Vernia, and so I do not doubt that you would be able to figure out how such an item is crafted in short order. With the right alchemical techniques and perhaps a summoned entity, you might even be able forge a similar device yourself. That would give you the ability to contact the stars before you had the power to stand against anything that you might accidentally alert. A Proper Wizard has the power to face foes that they might draw to themselves. And you are not ready for the foes that you might draw to our world.

Jules let out a bitter laugh. The condescending old bastard was right, unfortunately! I am terrible in a fight, and I couldnt take responsibility for any monsters I drew to us.

She sighed wearily. And that is how it is with him, Mr. Roth: because we are not ready to face the stars, we cannot contact the mighty chancellor.

But what if something attacks the school, like Ezaliel did? Alex asked. Shouldnt we be able to call him back?

The school is protected, she assured him. You have no idea the things that Baelin left behind to make sure the school survives. Registrar Hobb is one of them; I tell you, Im convinced hes a retired archdevil or something similar. But for expeditions? Were on our own. Baelin wouldnt want us to get soft, now would he?

No he would not, Alex said. I bet you thatin his own wayhe would be proud of what Carey did. She made a tactical decision that saved our lives and destroyed the enemy. When she was cornered, she eliminated her foes. I bet you he might even say she died in glory.

Professor Jules yawned, leaning back in her chair and putting the empty tumbler on the ground. You are right, Mr.Roth, which might mean that his absence is a blessing in disguise: Im likely the better choice to inform Miss Londons parents of her death rather than Baelin.

Im sorry that burden has to fall on you. Alex drained his glass.

She yawned again, her voice growing weaker, though her words never slurred. It is my job, Mr. Roth. I will do it because I have to.

Well. Alex leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. We have Uldars notebook, and thatll be a good way to avenge her at least. When do you want to start working on i

Professor Jules breathing had grown quiet and rhythmic.

He looked back at her; the weary alchemist was asleep in her chair, slumped to the side and breathing quietly.

Alex gave her a gentle smile as he slowly and quietly made his way to the door. Rest well, professor. Youve earned itand we have a lot ahead of us.

Silently, he left the room, shutting the door behind him.

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